Smoke Events Prompts Precautionary Evacuation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hamlin, W.Va. – Dec. 16th, 2025 — Southern West Virginia Health System confirms that a smoke event occurred on the morning of December 16th, 2025, at its Lincoln Primary Care Center campus inside the administrative suite of the W.E.L.L. Center. The source of the smoke was identified as a malfunction involving the facility’s furnace. There was no active fire.
Upon detection of the smoke, patients, staff, and patrons were temporarily evacuated from the affected areas as a precaution, and local emergency responders were notified. The situation was quickly resolved, and no injuries were reported.
“Our first priority is, and will always be, the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors,” says Lisa Leach, Chief Executive Officer of Southern West Virginia Health System. “While this incident was limited in scope, we took immediate action to evacuate the building and address the issue out of caution.”
Emergency personnel assisted on site. “We are grateful for the swift response of local emergency services and for the calm cooperation of everyone involved,” added Leach. “We are conducting a thorough review of the equipment to ensure continued safety and reliability moving forward.”
Operations at Southern West Virginia Health System’s Lincoln Primary Care Center have since fully resumed.
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About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality primary and preventive care to patients across southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.
For media inquiries, contact:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org
